“The Devil lurks in the details” Article #2

Phoenix Eye Punch

of Southern Praying Mantis
One of the hallmarks of Southern Chinese gung fu is the Phoenix Eye
Fist, called in Cantonese Feng An Choi or in Mandarin Foeng Yung
Chueh. In this artical we will look at several facets of this compact and
close-quarter striking method. First letʼs look at the fist, which is formed
by sequentially closing the fingers into a fist begining with the little finger,
on up to the middle, and then folding the index finger back upon the sup-
port of the thumb.

The Phoenix Eye Fist affords the user several unique

options in the choice of striking surfaces.
(1) Striking with the frontal face of the index finger.
(2) Striking with the back face of the index finger
(3) Striking with the frontal face of the fist.
(4) Striking with the nail or knuckle of the thumb. Gouging the eye is the
easiest with the thumb, the strongest digit.
(5) The Whip punch surface known as Bien Choi and Pek Choi, a Ham-
mer fist strike, which falls under the umbrella of Gao Choi, a hallmark of
all Southern Mantis.
(6) The Back hand punch surface known as Gwa Choi and Bung Choi,
which also falls under the umbrella of Gao Choi.

It is important to note that one should refrain from striking with the very
tip of the Phoenix Eye Fist. Initially, this sounds unavoidable and incor-
rect, but striking with the tip of the fist is very hard on the joint. Prior to
the use of gloves in boxing, in the days of bare-knuckle matches, both
fightersʼ hands were usually broken (to a greater or lesser extent) by the
second or third round.

It is important to strike with the bone support inherent in the position of

the knuckle fold because this affords the best structural support possible
to the most fragile of the bones. Whether training with the aid of Dit Da
medicine or not, one should use care in all Martial practices.

This strike is not unique to Southern Mantis. Systems that also emphasize
the Phoenix Eye Fist are:
• White Eyebrow (Bak Mei)
• Wing Chun (Praise Spring)
• Hsing-I (Form & Intention)
• Bak Hok (White Crane)
• Okinawan Karate:• Uechi Ryu - Gojo Ryu - Wado Ryu - Isshin Ryu •
Shurite - Nahate - Tomarite and some schools of American Kempo
These are the systems of which I am aware that use a type of Phoenix
Eye Fist.
Within the positions of Jet shu, as well as the various elbow-strike positions (Ding Jang,
Tai Jang, Bik Jang, Dim Jang Cheong Jang, etc.), the tendons and bone are conditioned so
that the application of the Phoenix Eye punch can express the highest potential of Ging.

Another important element, which is rarely pointed out, is that these positions develop the
awareness and use of the humerus bone-lever. Rather than initiating movement from the
forearm which produces segmented power relying on brute force, the humerus bone, in
conjunction with the bodyʼs mass (Mantis 3rd Power), provides structural support for arm
movements.

A training method that is invaluable in developing the Phoenix Eye punch is Tin Look
Gwan (Iron Pole Rolling), also called Iron Bar Rubbing. Simply find a hollow metal pole
or bar--one that is not excessively heavy, but has heft. Place the pole on the top of your
forearms with them in the palm-up position, (keeping the pole on or near the bend in the
arm) and slowly raise the arms while rotating the palms down smoothly keeping the fore-
arms as parallel to the ground as possible.

When the pole has been rolled the length of the bridge arm from elbow to wrist (keeping
the arms stretched out not going higher than the shoulders) then relax the arm sinking the
elbows first, causing the pole to return to itʼs starting position at the bend of the arm and
then repeat several times.

Make sure when rolling the pole to keep your movement smooth and
Relaxed, slowly making transitions between positions on the arm (keeping the pole on or
near the bend in the arm then rolling to the wrists), striving to feel the surface and circum-
ference of a single sphere or two smaller ones. To construct a Roller bar simply purchase at
your local hardware store a length of metal pipe 2 to 3 feet long, fill with BBʼs, small stones
or pennys, cap at the ends and practise, practise, practise.

Striking paper or a piece of cardboard is by far the safest and naturally the cheapest method
for training to be accurate with the Phoenix Eye strike. Apply various configurations of dots
to the paper/cardboard and practice striking without disturbing or tearing the whole target,
striving to pierce with a small point. An excellent and equally affordable target is a shower
curtain.

If an injury does occur, immediately apply ice or Dit Da medicine.

Shen Martial Arts carries a fine range of Dit Da Jao medicine for bone
packing, Iron palm and Phoenix Eye training. When looking at a
system that trains the Phoenix Eye strike or any strike that
resembles it in form and function, one should watch for
the following points.
First — The syllabus of system forms should
not execute the punch from a chambered hip position.
To do so compromises the structural integrity of
the punch. Chambered hip deployment makes
targeting with the punch very, very difficult
and adds excessive time to the punch.

Second — The syllabus of system forms should

keep the bridge arms in front of the body with the
elbows down, being stabilized by gravity
(through relaxed trapezius and deltoid muscles)
and manifest what the Chinese call Jang
Dai Lik (Elbow sinking power). The punch
should first be executed from a distance of
no longer than 12 inches (from start to finish)
and then over time cover a shorter and
shorter distance to the target, training
down to an inch or less.

Third — The systemʼs punch should NOT be executed in conjunction with long or wide
bridging steps, simply because this is a close-quarter strike and is meant to be used with
footwork that makes adjustments within inches of the attacker.

It is advisable not to strike a heavy bag, with a Phoenix eye fist or to do so on a Wooden
Dummy for obvious reasons. Training with the Phoenix Eye fist adds a powerful element
to close-quarter self-defence that does take time to cultivate, but is well worth the effort,
regardless of what system or branch an individual studies.

Tyler Rea owns Chung Yung Martial Arts in Lawrence, Kansas. He specializes in Hsing-I
Chuan, Wing Chun, and has an interest in Southern Praying Mantis.